The Red Devils had four centre-backs on their wishlist but failed to confirm deals for any of them, with their offers for Jerome Boateng and Harry Maguire falling short of what their current employers valued them at.

United refused to meet the demands of Yerry Mina's agent, with the defender later joining the Toffees, while they failed to make a bid for Toby Alderweireld although did allegedly moot the idea of a swap involving Rojo.

Has missing out on Rojo, who is currently injured and has suffered fitness problems throughout his career at Old Trafford, actually been a good thing for the Merseysiders in light of them signing two younger - and arguably better - alternatives?

Mina arrives at Goodison Park on the back of an impressive 2018 World Cup with Colombia and Barcelona have inserted a buyback clause into the deal with them clearly thinking the 23-year-old could improve in the future.

Meanwhile, Zouma has plenty of Premier League experience and while has been offered little opportunity at Stamford Bridge to date, is still clearly rated enough by the Blues that they want to keep hold of him.

Tom Seymour

Tom is a freelance sports journalist with more than four years' experience in the industry; having also worked in radio and newspapers, as well as online. A Sheffield United fan who now lives in Bristol, Tom can be spotted at Huish Park at Yeovil Town's home games when he also does a bit of commentary.